Hereditary Eye Diseases
PLL, Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and other eye diseases are inherited and some, including PLL, can be tested for.
Anyone buying a puppy would be well advised to ask if there has been any history of eye problems in any dogs related to the dam and stud (progeny, siblings, parents and grandparents) and if there is a history, ask if genetic testing has been carried out. If both of the pup’s parents or all 4 grandparents have tested and shown to be free of the genes it will ensure that there is no risk of inheritance.
The only way to be sure the tests have been done is to see documentary evidence that the parents have had the all clear. A breeder who has it done will be only too happy to show you this. If they can’t it is likely that it has not been done.
The following breeds are known to be affected by PLL (a number of non-terrier breeds are also affected but not listed):-
Bull Terrier- Miniature,
Fox terrier, smooth,
Fox terrier, wire hair,
Jack Russell terrier - see Parson Russell below,
Manchester terrier,
Parson (Jack) Russell terrier,
Scottish terrier (Scottie),
Sealyham terrier,
Skye terrier,
Tibetan terrier,
Welsh terrier
Source
information from University of Prince Edward Island CIDD
Help for dogs with visual impairment
There is a lot of advice available from toys such as balls with flashing lights for dogs with some sight through to the use of jingle bells and head protectors for dogs who have no sight at all – you may find the following links useful.
Blind Dogs Support https://www.blinddogsupport.com/
PDSA Blindness in dogs https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and...ndness-in-dogs
Dog Blindness - Help Your Blind Dog with a Dog Halo or Dog Goggles https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/d...os-and-goggles
The following people on the forum (this part will need adjusting depending on what people are prepared to do) have dogs with PLL and or Glaucoma and would be willing for you to PM them if you have questions
Annie1313 (agreed) affected dogs – Jumble (with PLL) and Maggie (blind)
Alison affected dog - Misty can be contacted by messaging 'Click'
(if others would like to be added to this list please let me know and I will edit it)
Raise awareness of PLL
PLL is a miserable hereditary condition prevalent in several dog breeds and Jack Russells in particular. The inheritance of this cruel condition needs to stop.
Please help raise awareness, and protect yourself, by always asking breeders that you are buying from if they have tested for it and
If you use FaceBook you can also help by information on your wall/status along with the pictures at the top of the article.
Wherever there are Jack Russell Terriers there is a chance that you will see one that has had its eyes removed.
What is the crime for which they are being punished with a life sentence?
It has been born to the bitch of a breeder who has not had her screened for PLL (primary lens luxation), an easily carried out genetic test.
With your help this condition can be wiped out.
Join the conversation
It would be interesting to know how much is generally known about the condition, whether Paws has increased awareness and prevalence of the condition among members’ terriers so please join in the conversation below:
- Did you know about PLL before joining Paws?
- Do you have have a terrier with PLL
- Do you have a terrier with some other inherited condition if so do please tell us more in the comments, if you wish to.